Manila man killed in two-car accident on 255

The California Highway Patrol says 70-year-old George Ritscher of Manila died as the result of a two-car accident at the intersection of State Route 255 and Dean Street in Manila on Tuesday evening.

According to the CHP, Ritscher was driving westbound on Dean Street approaching the intersection with State Route 255 at 6 p.m. Tuesday as Nicholas E. Ford, 23, of McKinleyville, drove his 2011 Jeep on 255 toward the intersection.

The CHP said the intersection is controlled by stop signs for eastbound and westbound traffic. The CHP said as both vehicles entered the intersection, the right front of Ford's Jeep struck the left front of Ritscher's 1997 Toyota, and the Jeep caught fire.

Ford and his passenger, a 3-year-old juvenile whose name was not released, were transported to St. Joseph Hospital by a passing motorist. The CHP press release described Ford's and the toddler's injuries as minor.

Ritscher was extricated from his vehicle by fire personnel and transported by ambulance to Mad River Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8 p.m.